Once a year, I like to treat myself to one big luxury item and what better time to splurge on myself than when celebrating my quarter-century milestone this past Monday? One year, I bought the Gucci Soho Shoulder Bag, another year I bought my first pair of Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps and last year, you all helped me decide between the Saint Laurent Monogram Satchel and the Chanel Wallet on Chain bag. Today I come to you for more advice.

When I first started at PurseBlog I was a handbag girl through and through (naturally), but while writing about shoes over the years, I began to love and appreciate beautiful footwear as much as handbags. For my birthday, my boyfriend surprised me with Valentino Rockstud flip-flops to wear during our upcoming trip to Cancun. I love the flip-flops, but I'm also proud of the fact that I can go out and buy myself something nice, so I wanted to splurge.

I've always loved Valentino Rockstud pumps (which is among the reason they were first up in our Ultimate Shoe Guide), and I've always had a soft spot for them in white. They're crisp, clean, classic and everything I've been looking for in a neutral pump. I tried them on at Saks this weekend, and I loved the way they looked and how comfortable they were (although I knew that already from our TalkShoes Testimonials); I purchased them right on the spot. This is where things get interesting.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Rockstud pumps, but I didn't quite get the adrenaline rush that I usually get when I add something I love to my wardrobe. I couldn't figure out why I wasn't more excited for the Rockstud of my dreams, but I think I've solved the mystery. For a while now, I've been on a Céline kick, and I really want the Céline Phantom Luggage Tote. I know the popularity of the Luggage Tote has slowed down drastically since its debut, and many of you have even questioned the staying power of the bag's design, but I don't care about all of that. I love everything about the Phantom Luggage, no matter what.

The answer may seem obvious as to which one I love more, but hear me out. I have a lot of other things coming up that I need to seriously start saving for, because you and I both know we live in an expensive world. The Céline is over $3,000, and that's lot of money for me to invest right now. My other concern with the Céline bag is I currently don't own any everyday top handle bags, and for the money, I'm worried how I will feel about carrying a bag in the crook of my arm everyday.

Do I keep the shoes and forget about the bag? Or, do I return the shoes and put the money toward the bag. In the long run, is it better to invest a large sum of money into a luxury bag or shoes? Now, if only buying both was an option...

I would love to hear your thoughts and input in the comments!

[You can purchase the above Céline via TheRealReal].

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VALENTINO PATENT LEATHER ROCKSTUD SLINGBACK PUMPS

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CÉLINE MEDIUM PHANTOM LUGGAGE TOTE

The famous Epi bag from Louis Vuitton has just been reinvented with interesting twists! The LV Twist Stitched Epi Shoulder Bag was just recently introduced and launched by the fashion powerhouse’s Creative director Nicolas Ghesquière. For the newest and latest collection, the creative team behind this timeless luxurious brand added beautiful large stitches as added ornaments and decorations thus making it look girlier and more feminine. With powerful string accents, the Epi bag just looked more adorable.

What’s even more appealing with this bag is the ingeniously designed “wave” base that provides extra room for your necessities. They said that looks can be deceiving and the same can be said with this eye candy for it’s roomier than it actually looks like. Throw all your worries away out the window for it can stow and hold all your essentials such as your small make up kit, mints, smartphone, car keys and even your wallet! The chain handles are not only fashionable but they’re also multifunctional as well for you can hung them fashionably from your shoulder or you can wear them cross-body.

So what are you waiting for? Head to the nearest LV boutique and get your hands on this newest bag collection.

Dior is one of the most sought-after brands in fashion, and it’s no big deal really – the luxury house has been holding its own ever since. And with the years of changes and style progressions they’ve cruised along with, it isn’t any wonder that it has long cemented its ‘A’-list status…with a cult following composing of both the beautiful people and working class.

But hey, what is this piece we’re seeing right now? Seems sparkly and fascinating…oh well, it’s none other than the Dior Gold Cannage Stitched Clutch Bag with Chain! We know that here in our community, there are die-hard Dior girls who are on the lookout for every release…well, here we are! And ain’t this exciting news? It’s a beautiful clutch bag with Cannage stitching on its exterior – an iconic you could say, something that’s comparable to Chanel’s signature quilt. We’re not complaining at all! Also, it’s chained to perfection, so if you’re after a versatile piece then this is the one for you! Clutch., shoulder piece, well, it’s your call!

Priced at around €1,700 EUR, you can get your very own Gold Cannage Stitched Clutch Bag with Chain via Dior boutique.

Ooohh, what do we have here? Chanel Stitched Wallets…a marvel, indeed! If you’re into designer Small Leather Goods (because the little things do come a long way), then this is for you! Anything that comes in luxe lambskin is worth having…this included.

There are two variations in this design – the zipped wallet, and the flap wallet. If you’re more of a put-in-all-in-there kind of girl, the zipped kind would work well. On the other hand, if you love timeless forms, the classic flap would be an excellent choice. Aside from being highly functional, both of these babies exude exquisite craftsmanship – look closer and you’ll see that the stitching and details on both pieces are no joke. You could tell.

Chanel Stitched Pouches are one of the most beautiful and exquisite pieces you can ever find, in spite of its basic form and structure (simplicity is beauty, right?). That’s why we’re head-over-heels in love with this one, and today, we’re about to show you the reasons why we are. Are you ready for this? You better be!

Both pieces are large, zippered pouches made with only the finest lambskin – stitched to perfection, which achieves a rather quilted effect. Also, they bear the house’s iconic CC signature, a testament to the craftsmanship and quality in every piece. We know how no-frills these pouches seem to look, and because of that, they are highly versatile and can fit in with most of your wardrobe pieces.